Botox is a common procedure used in cosmetic dermatology to reduce the appearance of aging. Although many people know of Botox because of its cosmetic uses, it also has other uses in successfully treating medical conditions. If you’re considering getting Botox in San Diego, there are some things you should know about how Botox works and why it might be a great option for you. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Botox?
Botox is actually the brand name of a drug used to weaken or paralyze muscles. It’s a protein made from the botulinum toxin from the bacterium clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is found in many natural settings and is generally harmless. The bacterium only becomes dangerous when it produces the toxin botulinum. Fortunately, researchers learned how to manufacture the toxin in small enough doses to make them beneficial for uses in cosmetic dermatology as well as in medical applications.
How Does It Work?
The reason Botox is so useful in many applications is that it’s a neurotoxin, which means it disrupts nerve signal processes to paralyze muscles temporarily. This happens because the chemical messenger responsible for making the muscles contract can’t be released when the toxin is introduced to the nerves. This muscle paralysis is helpful in reducing aging because it relaxes the muscles and prevents them from contracting, which means the wrinkles essentially disappear.
How Is It Used?
Botox was originally used by an eye doctor, Dr. Jean Carruthers, to treat blepharospasm, which is a condition in which people blink more than normal. It was discovered that the wrinkles around the eyes would also disappear during the treatments, which led to the use of Botox for cosmetic purposes. These injections are frequently used to relax muscles in the face and neck where wrinkles are most common. Fine lines disappear, and deeper wrinkles look much softer after receiving Botox treatments.
Botox is also used in cosmetic applications to make the lips look fuller and to give the eyebrows a specific, desired shape. Botox is also used to treat certain medical conditions as well. In addition to treating blepharospasm, Botox can be used to treat crossed eyes. Injecting Botox in sweat glands can help those that suffer from hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. It can be used to treat excessive sweating in the armpits, feet, hands, and face.
How Long Do Treatments Last?
Botox treatments usually take about 24-72 hours in order to see the effects. There are a few different factors that will affect how long the treatments will be effective. These factors include age, wrinkle depth, and elasticity of the skin. The frequency of treatments can also affect how long the Botox is effective. Many patients find that the effects last longer when they receive regular treatments. Muscle disuse can cause the muscles to get smaller, which means you’ll need fewer treatments over time to achieve the same results. In general, the treatments last for three to six months.
How Safe Is Botox?
You should only get Botox treatments from a qualified professional to ensure good results with few side effects. Typical side effects include mild pain or swelling, but most people tolerate the injections well. It’s important to talk with your dermatologist about the possible side effects and what results you can reasonably expect. This will ensure you get the best Botox in San Diego with the fewest side effects possible. For a same-day consultation, contact Academic & Aesthetic Dermatology Consultants today.
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